Criticism is coming from a local lawmaker over Governor Malloy's response to the growing deficit in the current state budget.  After the state Comptroller pegged the deficit at $172 million and urged the Governor to formally consult the legislature, Malloy's budget chief said that could wait until end-of-the-session budget negotiations. 

Senator Rob Kane, whose district includes Bethlehem, Bridgewater and Oxford, says that attitude is misguided.  Kane claims the Governor hopes big revenues after the April 15th tax deadline will bail him out.  He doesn't see that happening.

Kane was critical of the Governor for continuing to put off lawmakers, the Office of Fiscal Analysis , the Comptroller and the treasurer .  He says Malloy can not continue to go this alone.

Kane says the Rainy Day Fund may have to be tapped.